PDF Summary:Create Anyway, by Ashlee Gadd

In Create Anyway, author Ashlee Gadd provides a theological and practical guide for nurturing creativity during motherhood. She explores how the desire to create reflects the nature of God, the Creator. Gadd explains how creative acts can serve as worship, stewardship, and participation in God's kingdom.

The author shares strategies and mindsets to encourage creative thinking despite the demands of parenthood. Gadd emphasizes the importance of establishing routines, embracing imperfection, and building supportive communities to sustain creativity. She offers advice on avoiding scarcity mindsets, accepting help, and investing in others' artistic endeavors.

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• Create a "failure resume" to document and reflect on projects that didn't go as planned. This can help you recognize the effort you've put into your creative endeavors and learn from the setbacks. Include what the project was, what went wrong, what you learned, and how you can apply that knowledge moving forward.
• Join or start a virtual accountability group with a focus on daily creative practice. Sharing your goals and progress with others can provide motivation and a sense of community. For instance, if you're into photography, you could share a daily photo with the group and discuss techniques and compositions.

Guarding Against Comparison and Scarcity Mindsets

This section emphasizes the harmful effects of comparison and scarcity mindsets, particularly in the social media era. Gadd explores the dangers of equating our worth with external measures like social media engagement and popularity. She encourages us to cultivate a spirit of abundance and generosity instead of competing for limited resources.

Cultivating a Mindset of Abundance and Giving

Gadd uses the story in Matthew 20 about workers in the vineyard to highlight the dangers of comparing our "portion" to others. In the parable, those who worked longer hours become disgruntled when they earn the same wages as those who started working later in the day. The author cautions against allowing envy and entitlement to drive our creative endeavors, saying that God operates on a different scale, one of abundant grace and generosity.

Gadd encourages readers to shift their focus from “purpose over performance,” reminding us that our primary goal should be faithfulness and obedience to God’s calling rather than chasing external validation or comparing our work to others. She offers practical tips for minimizing comparison, including intentional social media breaks and adopting a mindset of spreading positivity by actively praising and motivating fellow creators.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal reward system that celebrates your unique milestones, unrelated to others' achievements. For example, treat yourself to a favorite activity or small gift when you reach a personal goal. This reinforces the idea that your journey is independent and worthy of celebration, regardless of how it compares to someone else's path.
• Volunteer for a cause unrelated to your field of work or creative interests. Engaging in altruistic activities can help you develop empathy and a sense of community, which can counteract the isolating effects of envy and entitlement. Choose a cause that resonates with you and commit to regular volunteering, allowing the experience to enrich your perspective on your own endeavors.
• Start a "Generosity Jar" at home where you contribute a small amount of money each day, then donate the total to a cause that resonates with you at the end of each month. This practice helps you embody the principle of abundant grace by making giving a daily habit, reinforcing the joy of generosity through consistent action.
• Start your day with a "purpose statement" that you say out loud, which outlines what you hope to achieve on a deeper level beyond just productivity. This could be as simple as, "Today, I will foster kindness in every interaction," which sets a purposeful intention that goes beyond completing a to-do list. This helps to frame your mindset for the day, prioritizing meaningful interactions over ticking off tasks.
• Develop a "calling compass" by listing your perceived calling on a piece of paper and surrounding it with the ways you can be faithful to it in various aspects of your life, such as work, family, and community. Refer to this compass when making decisions to ensure they steer you towards your calling.
• Create a personal achievement journal to document your progress and reflect on your own standards of success. By keeping a daily or weekly log of what you've accomplished, you can focus on your personal growth rather than external validation. For example, if you're learning to play the guitar, note the new chords you've mastered or the songs you've successfully played, rather than comparing yourself to other guitarists.
• Develop a gratitude journaling habit where you write down things you're thankful for in your own life, without reference to anyone else's situation. This practice can shift your focus from what others have and you don't, to what you have and can cherish, thereby reducing the urge to compare.
• Volunteer to be a beta tester or early reviewer for creators in your network, offering constructive feedback and encouragement. This helps them improve while feeling supported. For example, if a friend is developing a new app, offer to test it and provide positive, uplifting feedback to help them refine it before launch.

Community, Support, and Motivation in Parenting and Creating

Gadd recognizes the power of community, both in parenting and creativity. She stresses the value of vulnerability, encouraging mothers to reject the desire to "handle everything" themselves. This chapter encourages readers to accept the support of others, inviting them into creative struggles and celebrating their successes.

Building a Community for Creativity

Gadd argues that a thriving creative life requires support, and this support is best found in relationships with others who encourage us, offer feedback, and spur us on. She suggests that finding a community for our creative lives is crucial for long-term growth and endurance.

Seeking Relationships For Accountability, Feedback, and Support

Gadd shares her own story of joining a playgroup as a first-time mother, gradually learning to trust and rely on the other mothers for help with everything from diaper wipes to parenting advice. She connects this experience to her later participation in a writers' mastermind, where she discovered the invaluable benefits of asking for feedback and working collaboratively with others. She argues these relationships are vital for artistic growth.

She encourages mothers who may feel isolated or overwhelmed to take initiative in building their personal creative communities. She suggests starting small, such as a playdate or book club, and gradually nurturing those relationships into a trusted circle of support for both their lives and their work.

Other Perspectives

• Trust and reliance on others for help and advice can sometimes lead to over-dependence, potentially inhibiting personal growth and self-reliance in problem-solving.
• Depending on the group's size and composition, some members might find it difficult to get adequate attention or support for their work, leading to an imbalance in the benefits received from the group.
• Not all relationships provide constructive feedback or support; some may be toxic or discouraging, hindering artistic growth rather than fostering it.
• There could be cultural or language barriers that make it challenging for some mothers to connect with others and form a community.
• The assumption that small social gatherings will lead to a support network may overlook the complexities of human relationships and the time and effort required to build trust.

Learning to Allow Others to Assist and Guide You

Gadd addresses the difficulty many of us have with admitting we need help and allowing others to contribute to our achievements. She challenges the notion of independent success, encouraging an attitude of humbleness and openness.

Releasing the Desire to "Do Everything" by Leveraging Community Wisdom and Resources

Gadd encourages mothers to reject the mentality of “I do it alone!” mentality that can often isolate us, both in our parenting and creative paths. She shares personal anecdotes about her resistance to receiving help, particularly in her early years of parenting and creativity.

The author emphasizes God's inherent generosity, telling us that He delights in offering extravagant gifts and blessings. Likewise, she encourages us to practice generosity throughout our lives, extending grace to others and also learning to receive it in return. This involves cultivating a culture of collaboration and support within creative communities.

Context

• Engaging with a community can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and shared experiences, which can enhance well-being and creativity.
• By accepting help, individuals can learn new skills and perspectives from others, enhancing their personal and professional growth.
• The act of giving often encourages a cycle of reciprocity, where kindness and support are returned, creating a supportive network that benefits everyone involved.
• Leveraging the skills and resources of others can lead to more efficient and effective outcomes, as it allows for the pooling of diverse talents and ideas.
• Collaborating with others can increase an artist's visibility, as they tap into each other's audiences and platforms, broadening their reach.

Investing in Others' Artistic Processes

Gadd reminds us that creativity is inherently generative, inspiring others to embark on creative endeavors in a ripple effect. This section emphasizes the importance of celebrating each other’s successes and offering resources rather than viewing one another as competition.

Encouraging and Supporting Artistic Endeavors

Gadd highlights the power of encouragement by sharing stories of her support network and the profound impact their affirmation has made throughout her journey. She compares negative, critical feedback to "picking fluff" off someone’s outfit, a small but significant distraction from the greater beauty of their work. In contrast, she encourages readers to adopt a mentality of "throwing sparkles," generously offering compliments, support, and celebration to fellow artists.

She suggests that by actively investing in others’ creative endeavors, we not only inspire them to flourish, but we also cultivate a spirit of generosity and joy within ourselves.

Practical Tips

• Start a weekly art-sharing thread on your favorite social media platform where participants post their creations and others respond with positive feedback. This not only provides encouragement but also builds a community of support.
• Develop a "Skill Swap" system within your community. Identify a skill or resource you can offer and what you may need help with in return. This could be anything from graphic design to emotional support. Use social media groups or community bulletin boards to advertise your offer and find others willing to exchange their skills or support, fostering a mutual support network.
• Create a "compliment first" rule in your communications, ensuring that every email or conversation begins with a genuine positive remark. This sets a constructive tone and makes any following constructive criticism easier to receive. For instance, before discussing a report's shortcomings, you might compliment the clarity of the data presented.
• Create a "Sparkle Jar" where you write down compliments for your peers on slips of paper and hand them out when you see someone in need of a boost. This tangible act of kindness can be a memorable moment for the receiver and encourage a culture of positivity and support within your community.
• Start a monthly creativity fund where you allocate a small budget to back projects on crowdfunding platforms. Choose projects that resonate with you and pledge an amount that helps the creator move closer to their goal. This could be anything from an innovative gadget, a community art project, or an independent film.
• Host a small art showcase at your home or in a community space. Invite local artists to display their work and encourage friends and neighbors to attend. This creates a platform for artists to gain exposure and for you to cultivate a community centered around appreciation for the arts.

Faith, Submission, and Confidence in Creativity

This chapter explores the role of belief and yielding in creativity. Gadd encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, trusting God to guide their steps and provide for them. She emphasizes the importance of finding identity and fulfillment in Christ, not performance or production.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty and Our Limitations

This section centers on recognizing both our strengths and weaknesses, placing our trust in God’s guidance rather than our own limited abilities. Gadd emphasizes advancing with faith, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

Embracing Trust and Obedience Over Self-Reliance

Gadd recounts a terrifying near-accident with her two young sons, where a double stroller rolled off a river trail's ledge. Thankfully, the pushchair slammed into a bush, and the kids came out unharmed. The author shares the mental and emotional trauma she went through in the aftermath of that narrowly avoided tragedy, highlighting the overwhelming guilt and self-condemnation she felt for her mistake.

She parallels this experience to how the enemy often attacks us in our roles as parents and in creative endeavors, attempting to derail our faith and convince us that we are not capable or worthy. She encourages us to reject the enemy’s lies and instead embrace trust in God’s provision and care. Gadd emphasizes God’s sovereignty as providing comfort and strength, pointing out that we are not ultimately in control of the outcomes.

Context

• Experiencing a near-accident can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress, including flashbacks, anxiety, and guilt, as individuals replay the event and its potential consequences.
• Trails near rivers can have steep ledges or uneven paths, increasing the risk of accidents if a stroller veers off course.
• While traumatic experiences can be distressing, they can also lead to personal growth and resilience as individuals find new ways to cope and adapt to their perceived vulnerabilities.
• Parents may fear judgment from others, believing they will be seen as negligent or careless, which can intensify self-blame.
• The "enemy" often refers to negative thoughts, self-doubt, or spiritual adversaries that challenge one's sense of worth and capability, particularly in contexts of faith.
• The notion here is that these forces try to instill feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, which can prevent individuals from pursuing their purpose or calling, whether in parenting, creative work, or other life areas.
• In creative endeavors, individuals may face self-doubt and fear of inadequacy. The idea of rejecting lies can be seen as overcoming internal and external criticisms that hinder creative expression.
• This idea involves surrendering personal control and self-reliance, accepting that a higher power is guiding and supporting one's journey.
• Embracing God's sovereignty often requires trust and faith, as it involves believing that God’s plans are ultimately for good, even when circumstances are difficult.
• Many cultures have stories or proverbs that convey the idea of fate or destiny, suggesting that while effort is important, the final result is not always in human hands.

Knowing God's Faithfulness Through Seasons of Struggle

Gadd acknowledges the common struggles mothers and creatives face, including fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt. She encourages perseverance through these challenges, stressing the significance of finding solace in divine grace.

Trusting God Is Active in Challenges and Failures

Gadd recounts her own journey of experiencing burnout and creative depletion, highlighting how crucial it is to learn to relax and relinquish control. She shares how initially resistant she was to pausing her demanding work, convinced that her efforts were solely responsible for keeping it all together.

The author encourages readers to shift their perspective on rest, viewing it not as laziness or weakness but as a powerful expression of trust. She challenges the “my actions define me” mentality, noting that our identity and worth come from Christ, not from our achievements or productivity. She shares how her own experience of miscarriage prompted a period of enforced rest, demonstrating God’s provision and prompting her to re-evaluate her priorities.

Context

• Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It often occurs when someone feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.
• For those in creative fields, taking breaks and allowing time for rest can lead to greater inspiration and innovation. Stepping away from work can provide new perspectives and ideas.
• Adequate rest is crucial for physical health, supporting immune function, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, and promoting longevity.
• Understanding worth as inherent and God-given can alleviate pressure and anxiety related to performance, contributing to better mental health and well-being.
• For many, a miscarriage can be a time of spiritual questioning or growth, prompting deeper reflection on faith and personal beliefs.
• Failure provides valuable lessons that can inform future decisions, helping individuals to refine their priorities based on past experiences.

Finding Rest in God’s Love and Grace, Not in Performance

This chapter centers on the foundation of our identity and purpose as beings created and loved by God. Gadd encourages us to release the striving and pressure to achieve, embracing the freedom and wholeness found in simply being His children.

Identity and Fulfillment in Christ, Not Production

Gadd advocates for shifting our focus from external validation to internal wholeness, emphasizing how crucial it is to rest in God’s unconditional love and grace. She encourages resisting defining our worth through accomplishments, productivity, or the approval of others.

She shares her personal journey of learning to distinguish her identity from her work. Gadd challenges the belief that our value is determined by what we do, encouraging us to accept the truth that God already loves and cherishes us unconditionally. She encourages us to rest in this truth, allowing our creative endeavors to flow from a place of freedom and joy rather than a need to prove ourselves or earn God’s favor.

Context

• From a Christian viewpoint, internal wholeness is often linked to spiritual fulfillment and understanding one's identity in relation to God, rather than through worldly achievements.
• Some philosophies and spiritual traditions advocate for defining success through personal growth, relationships, and contributions to the community, rather than material accomplishments or societal approval.
• The Protestant work ethic, which values hard work and diligence, has historically influenced Western attitudes toward productivity and self-worth.
• Accepting unconditional love can lead to improved mental health, reducing anxiety and stress associated with the need for external validation and constant achievement.
• Approaching creativity with joy can enhance collaboration, as it fosters a positive and open environment where ideas are freely shared and developed collectively.
• Understanding that identity is separate from work can build resilience, as individuals are less likely to be devastated by professional setbacks or changes in career status.